Opinions on "which" Scooter for 2 up riding ?

[Beetle]

I'm looking for opinions from any members who ride 2 up, about Scooter size/suitability, probably a Maxi, ideally mid size & as low weight as practical & enough space for 1 FF & 1 OF helmet.
We're an old couple & my Motorbike is just getting to heavy & i'm also having problems with my clutch hand, I've been reading up on Scooters for quite a while(since I turned 70) & the much discussed ease of use & general functionality is becoming really appealing.
I'll get this out of the way my heart wants a Vespa GTS300, but sadly I suspect there are better scooters for our needs, oh & I never ride more than 70mph, mostly stick to whatever is the posted limit & actually rarely get over 65 mph, we have this early speed warning system which consists of a banging on the back of my crash helmet when the speed gets excessive.
Edit, budget around £6K new or used.
I have never ridden a scooter,so don't know what to expect from one.
Thanks.

[Deleted User 18446]

I've had wife on back of a Vespa gt (pre gts ) not pleasant for me felt cramped. Depends how big you both are ..I always look at size of rear tyre gts is 12 x 130 . Burgman 400 has 13 x150 looks more beefy then have tmax with 15 x 160 .looks massive .That's where most of weight is 2 up on that back tyre .So for me it's what do you want carrying you and her in doors .

[Beetle]

I've had wife on back of a Vespa gt (pre gts ) not pleasant for me felt cramped. Depends how big you both are ..I always look at size of rear tyre gts is 12 x 130 . Burgman 400 has 13 x150 looks more beefy then have tmax with 15 x 160 .looks massive .That's where most of weight is 2 up on that back tyre .So for me it's what do you want carrying you and her in doors .

Thanks we're not too big in height,but there's more of us than there used to be , i'm 5'9" 182 lbs SWMBO is 5'2" 160 lbs, a used Tmax 530 may well be a good solution, but am I correct in thinking that it can't carry 2 helmets in the underseat storage ?.
Cheers.

[Deleted User 18446]

Yes need big top box makes up for it in other departments tho .burger 400 will carry 2 or the modern 300s .

[Stephen]

I would say the 400 Burgman could be your best bet,top box for ‘er indoors to rest up against,the new revamped 400 is imminent,so there could be some deals to had as dealers may want to clear old stock,here is the gen for the 2021 model which is euro 5 compliant,
First one is 2019/20 model

https://www.visordown.com/reviews/first ... 400-review

https://www.visordown.com/news/new-bike ... ts-changes

Steve

[mottza]

Xmax 400 and possibly the Forza 300/350!

[mottza]

Xmax 400 and possibly the Forza 300/350!

[steve_h80]

I have limited scooter experience but I find my Silverwing is just about perfect for two up riding, it is in fact the best pillion bike I've ever had. The underseat can manage two lids but the topbox provides pillion support and additional storage.
But they are at best a few year old, although they are very reliable. And heavy buggers to push but easy enough if using the engjne.

[blackmoon181]

I don't think scooters in the equivalent class will really be that much lighter that a comparable motorcycle. if you are coming down from the tourer class that makes more sense. However the advantage of almost all scooters is the weight sits really low (combination of the engine almost sitting horizontally and the fuel tank sitting low making it much easier when stopping at those lights!

Most mid size scooters will suit your relaxed riding style however. i'd be conscious of generally how much 'worse' scooter suspension is compared to most motorcycles especially for the pillion. Not to say there aren't exceptions (silverwing in this list) but something to consider depending on your choice of roads are previous and 2 up cycles!

another think to consider obviously is how your pillion fits on the back. My other half has been blessed with almost being 6ft tall and struggles on many of the mid size scooters as her legs are so long causing her hips to turn outwards which is painful on long rides. If she is small, the smaller sized scooters may be more of an option.

nevertheless 6k gives you a good range of the the market. both new or nearly new for many.

[Data]

The GTS Vespa is a great bike, but two up, as has been mentioned can be a bit cramped depending on the size of both of you. The bike can handle it but can you? To give yourselves the best chance you would need passenger footpeg extenders. These work well and are easy to fit. As long as you are not very oversize it's perfectly doable. It's optimum speed two up over distance (I've done it) is around the 65mph mark but they'll still hit around 75mph in good conditions two up. Handling is still perfectly fine too with two. Take a test ride then try the Burgman 400 and see what you think. Good luck.